Legal and Ethical Considerations for Family-School Engagement with Undocumented Families

Abstract

The National Association of School Psychologists emphasizes school psychologists’ role in facilitating family-school collaboration. This may be particularly important for vulnerable populations, including undocumented students and their families. Considering that there are a significant number of undocumented immigrants in the USA, it is likely that school psychologists will work with these students and their families. Additionally, undocumented immigrants often face increased academic hardship and are at heightened risk for deportation, necessitating that school psychologists are well versed in best practices for working with this underserved population. This article provides relevant legal and ethical guidelines related to working with students and families who are undocumented. Practical implications are provided to school psychologists to help facilitate family-school collaboration.